(Skillman, NJ) -- On Tuesday, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veterans organizations to host a claims clinic for local veterans at his Skillman legislative office.

“Both my father and uncle were Army veterans who served during World War II, so veterans’ issues hold a personal significance for me,” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “Making sure that our local veterans are receiving the services they both need and deserve is a priority and that is why events like this one are so important.”

The claims clinic gave veterans, service members, and their dependents the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from the Newark regional office of the VA and receive information about VA benefits and entitlements, submitting claims for benefits and providing information about the status of a pending VA claim. The Somerset and Montgomery Veterans Service Organizations, Raritan Valley Community College, Rolling Thunder Inc., and Jewish Veteran’s Association were in attendance to provide information and community support.

By the end of the half-day long event, over a dozen veterans were able to start a claim or get updates on pending claims. “Our state has a duty to respect and care for its veterans, and I appreciate any opportunity I have to assist these honorable men and women,” said Zwicker. “All that this country holds dear – freedom, democracy and equal opportunity – is preserved through the courage and dedication of its veterans. The very least we can do is help ensure that they receive what they earned.”